Family proud to become Australian citizens Australia Day

THE Kodide family has celebrated Australia Day many times since settling in Wentworthville five years ago, but this year is special.

This year the Kodide family of four will be among 36 people who will become new citizens during a ceremony at Merrylands Park at 2pm, on Sunday.

The family moved from India to America then to New Zealand and finally to Australia in 2009 to follow career success and join extended family in western Sydney.

After years of travelling for work, Sampath Kodide said he needed to lead a stable lifestyle so his children could concentrate on their education and Australia provided the perfect place to do so.

"One of the reasons that we decided to become citizens was for my children," Mr Kodide said. "When they were young it was okay for them to adjust to travelling and education changes but now they are at an age where we can't keep moving.

"My son will be going to high school soon and it's a very crucial time for him."

Mr Kodide said other reasons for becoming a citizen included living in a beautiful country, lifestyle, moving closer to family and the opportunities.

"Australia is a very good country," he said.

"They have one of the best systems in the world, best education systems and the job market is very good.

"Australia is a multicultural country with equal rights."

After the ceremony, Mr Kodide and his wife Usha and their two children Sakat, 9, and Shriya, 7, will celebrate becoming Australian citizens with friends over dinner.